Monday Match Play on Tap

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Lee Westwood takes a slight advantage over Colin Montgomerie into the second 18 holes of the Cisco World Match Play final on Monday morning. The Englishman leads the Scotsman 2-up through the first 18 holes at the Wentworth Club in Surrey, England.

Sunday's final-match battle pitted the seven-time Order of Merit champion versus the man trying to end his record streak. After a day of rain on Saturday, fans were treated to a sunny Sunday, and some brilliant golf. Westwood made his was around the West Course in 63, while Monty did so in 65. The defending champion's round included a 35-foot eagle putt at the last to trim his deficit to 2-down.

Earlier in the day, Montgomerie defeated Vijay Singh 5-and-4 in the semi-final held over from Saturday. On the other hand, Westwood had to come from behind to advance into the 36-hole final. Two down with three to play, Westwood made three straight birdies to take the match 1-up.

Westwood was also the benefactor of a generous gift from Els. The South African missed a two-footer at the last, which would have sent the match into extra holes.

'It was a bizarre (match),' Westwood said. 'Almost surreal. I just walked away. It wasn't a gimme, but I didn't expect him to miss the two-footer. At 12:30 today I didn't expect to be here, so it's a bonus.'

Against Monty, Westwood was always either up or level after birdying the first. He managed to go 3-up through 17 holes, before Monty's majestic eagle at the home hole.